Sri Lanka looks to revive stalled free trade deal with Singapore amid crisis

Sri Lanka will step up efforts to revive a stalled free trade pact with Singapore, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told the city state's premier on Tuesday, his office said in a statement. The leader of the crisis-hit Indian Ocean nation met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in Japan on the sidelines of a state funeral for the former prime minister assassinated in July, Shinzo Abe.

Supreme Court questions obstruction charges brought against Jan 6 rioters, Trump

The Supreme Court questions the extent of obstruction charges from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, potentially impacting cases like Donald Trump's. Justices weigh obstruction charge against former officer Joseph Fischer, challenging the law's broad application. Rulings could affect Trump's pending cases. Justices show divided opinions, with a decision expected by June. Over 330 face obstruction charges, with some sentences delayed pending the outcome.

France recalls ambassador to Azerbaijan, accuses Baku of 'damaging' ties

France has recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan, citing actions damaging bilateral relations. The tensions stem from Azerbaijani actions in Nagorno-Karabakh, with fears of further aggression towards Armenia. France supports talks for normalization between the two countries. Armenia, facing strained relations with Russia, turns to France for defense cooperation. France recently sold military equipment to Armenia, sparking anger from Azerbaijan.

Venezuela closes embassy in Ecuador to protest raid on Mexican embassy there

Venezuelan President Maduro orders closure of country's embassy and consulates in Ecuador in solidarity with Mexico after raid on Mexican embassy. Ecuadorian President defends raid as protecting national security. Mexico severs diplomatic ties with Ecuador, demands apology and expulsion from UN. Maduro calls for return of former Vice President Jorge Glas to Mexican embassy. Ecuador faces criticism for raid, President Noboa absent from regional meeting. Thousands of Venezuelan migrants in Ecuador.

More potential jurors dismissed as Donald Trump's hush money trial enters second day

Potential jurors were dismissed from Donald Trump's hush money case as lawyers sought a panel of New Yorkers. Trump faces 34 felony counts for falsifying business records to hide alleged affairs. Jurors were questioned for impartiality, with some excused for bias. Trump claims the trial is politically motivated. Prosecutors seek a $3,000 fine for social media posts violating a gag order. The trial puts Trump's legal issues at the forefront of the race against President Joe Biden.

US Supreme Court questions obstruction charges against Jan. 6 rioters and Trump

The Supreme Court questions obstruction charges against Jan. 6 rioters, including Trump, in the case of former police officer Joseph Fischer. Arguments suggest a divided court, with conservative justices leaning towards the defendants. The charge carries a maximum of 20 years but averages 2 years. The case could impact over 300 defendants. Some rioters have been released pending the court's decision.

What Are Israel’s Options for Retaliating Against Iran’s Drone and Missile Strike?

Israel is considering options to retaliate against Iran for a recent drone and missile attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows a response, with potential targets including Iran's nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, proxy militias, or focusing on Gaza to defeat Hamas, which is supported by Iran. The US and Europe urge restraint as tensions escalate.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia call for a cease-fire in Gaza, saying efforts so far are insufficient

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia urge immediate cease-fire and uninterrupted aid in Gaza. Saudi Foreign Minister criticizes insufficient international efforts, warns of potential famine. Calls for de-escalation to prevent further conflict in the region. Pakistan's PM seeks closer cooperation with Saudi Arabia for investment. Saudi Arabia has pledged $5 billion investment in Pakistan.

Russia's Putin urges Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Russian President Putin urged all in the Middle East to avoid actions leading to new conflict, warning of catastrophic consequences. He discussed Iran's retaliatory measures with President Raisi, highlighting the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a root cause of instability. Both leaders called for restraint, a ceasefire in Gaza, and diplomatic solutions. The U.S. sees Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea's partnerships as a major threat.

US Pentagon chief speaks with Chinese counterpart for first time since November 2022

Defense Secretary Austin spoke with China's defense minister to improve communication and reduce incidents in the Indo-Pacific. The call is part of efforts to ease tensions, with the first high-level military contact since 2022. Concerns remain about aggressive behavior, but recent talks aim to prevent conflict. Diplomatic efforts have followed military confrontations, with the U.S. and China discussing incidents in the Pacific.

New US Home Construction Falls to Lowest Level Since August

US new home construction slowed in March, with residential starts dropping 14.7% to a 1.32 million annualized rate, the lowest since August. Building permits also fell to a 1.46 million rate. Single-family home construction decreased the most in three years, while multifamily starts hit a pandemic low. Builders may be pausing after recent growth, with new home inventory high. Mortgage rates stabilizing at 7% are impacting buyer and builder sentiment.

Sri Lanka fails to strike deal with sovereign bondholders for USD 12 billion debt restructuring

Sri Lanka fails to reach agreement with bondholders for debt restructuring, aiming to meet IMF bailout targets. Government unable to strike deal with bondholders over USD 12 billion debt, facing setback in cash-strapped nation. IMF approved USD 3 billion bailout in 2023, with two tranches released. Sri Lanka aims to complete debt restructuring agreements by June for IMF review.

Israeli war cabinet to meet for third time over response to Iran's first-ever direct attack

Israel's war cabinet meets to decide on a response to Iran's first direct attack amid global pressure to avoid escalation in the Middle East. Iran launched missiles in retaliation for an airstrike on its embassy, but signaled no desire for further conflict. US and European allies seek to deter Israel from violent retaliation with sanctions. Iran vows swift response to any Israeli counterattack. Gaza conflict fears grow.

UK PM Rishi Sunak faces resistance over his smoking ban plans

British PM Rishi Sunak faces resistance to ban smoking for under-15s in new bill. Aim is a "smokefree generation" by gradually raising smoking age. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins says bill will save lives, NHS strain, improve productivity. Govt aims to stop smoking before it starts. Bill also targets youth vaping. DHSC warns of vaping risks. ASH charity calls it historic legislation.

Singapore Charts New Path After Decades of Lee Family Rule

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down after 20 years, passing the torch to Lawrence Wong. The transition marks the end of half a century of Lee family rule, with Wong expected to offer continuity and face challenges such as the high cost of living. Lee will stay involved in politics as a senior minister, while the future political aspirations of his children remain uncertain.

Heavy rains lash UAE, surrounding nations; Oman flooding death toll rises to 18

Heavy rains caused flooding in the UAE, with vehicles abandoned on highways in Dubai. In Oman, the death toll from heavy flooding rose to 18. Dubai International Airport flights were disrupted, and schools closed as emergency personnel worked to clear flooded streets. Oman mourns the loss of schoolchildren swept away in a vehicle. Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.